Registered Community Wildlife Habitat Sites

Who is Working Towards Certification?

Registered Community Wildlife Habitat communities across the nation have stepped forward to make a difference for wildlife in their community by registering to become a nationally recognized Certified Community Wildlife Habitat site.

Click on your state name to see who has stepped forward to become a leader for greener communities.

Incorporated in 1986, Encinitas has a small town atmosphere and a wealth of picturesque, practically pristine natural settings for residents and tourists to appreciate. It is bordered on the north by the Batiquitos Lagoon, on west by the Pacific Ocean, on the south by the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy lands and on the east by more open space and less-developed neighborhoods. Of primary concern to the city is the loss of wildlife habitat and the increasingly polluted local groundwater.

Slaughter Beach, DE

Registered: January 2015

Population: 218

Located on the Delaware Bay in Slower Delaware

The Town of Slaughter Beach, a Horseshoe Crab Sanctuary, was founded in 1681 and incorporated in 1931. The Town is bordered to the east by the Delaware Bay and to the west by Prime Hook Wildlife Refuge, Milford Neck Wildlife Area and the Marvel Tract Salt Marsh. We share our space with a rich, diverse and fragile ecosystem. In May and June Horseshoe Crabs come ashore to spawn. Slaughter Beach is one of the highest spawning areas in the world. After a very long flight, migratory shorebirds including Red Knots return in the spring looking for the fine dining our beach provides (horseshoe crab eggs). Learn More>>

Callahan, FL

Registered: July, 2013

Population: 1200

Located about 20 minutes southwest of Charleston

The town of Callahan, Florida is located near the Florida and Georgia border in the Northeast most section of the state (20 minutes north of Jacksonville). The town was named for Daniel Callahan, who helped build a railroad here in 1854. The community of 1200 individuals celebrates it’s motto -“crossroads to the future”. The community is composed of over 300 family homes, 100 apartments, six schools and about 60 businesses which the local 4-H club who is spearheading the Callahan Community Wildlife Habitat certification project will work on getting certified over the next three years.

Collier County, FL

Registered: April 2012

Population: 322,000

Located on the Gulf coast of Florida, in the southwest part of the state

Collier County is the second largest county in Florida, and it includes parts of Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve as well as two National Wildlife Refuges. Beach resort cities Marco Island and Naples are also part of this lovely seaside county. The county is named after real estate magnate Barron Collier, who introduced paved roads, electric power, telegraphs and countless new businesses and homeowners to Florida's last frontier. Keep Collier Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful®, is the organization leading the Community Wildlife Habitat project. Keep Collier Beautiful sponsors regular programs like Coastal Cleanups and Adopt-a-Canal that work to reduce litter and keep county waterways clean.

Cooper City, FL

Registered: October 2012

Population: 30,074

Located 15 miles southwest of Fort Lauderdale

Cooper City's has the distinction of being a Tree City USA for over 20 years and their logo is a tree and the words "Someplace Special". Cooper City was chosen by Family Circle magazine as one of the 10 best towns for families. The city has excellent park and recreational facilities and exceptional schools. The Cooper City Commission voted in 2012 to ensure that "Someplace Special" is also "Someplace Green". They have instituted several successful programs to conserve water and protect water quality. For the past 20 years, the city has held an annual tree and plant care workshop.

Columbia County, FL

Registered: October, 2009

Population: 69,000

Located in north-central Florida, along the Georgia border

Columbia County is a rural community that is rapidly becoming urbanized. It has become the center for commercial and medical needs for the region north of Gainesville. Because of its many pristine rivers, springs and forests, this area of Florida has become a Mecca for natural tourism. The Osceola National Forest and Pinhook Swamp are in the county, as well as the Suwannee, Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers and their tributaries. The Community Wildlife Habitat team consists of a diverse group of experts, including a Commissioner of Columbia County and the mayor of Lake City.

Coral Springs, FL

Registered: March, 2006

Population: 126,852

Located northwest of Fort Lauderdale

Coral Springs is a suburban community in Broward County bordered by the Everglades on the west. The city's motto is "The premier community in which to live, work and raise a family." Its main challenges are development pressure, urban sprawl, long-term water management strategies and invasive species such as Brazilian pepper, Australian pine and melaleuca. Species of concern include gopher tortoises, burrowing owls and wood storks.

Deerfield Beach, FL

Registered: June, 2010

Population: 77,000

Located 14 miles north of Fort Lauderdale

Deerfield Beach is a coastal city with a lovely white sand beach, canals, lakes and preserved parks. It is a city of mixed ages and was ranked #1 by Money magazine on their “Where Homes are Most Affordable” list. The city has a strong support for preservation of the environment by staff and volunteers of the Deerfield Beach Arboretum, Deerfield Beach Island Park, the Chamber of Commerce and the city Beautification Committee, as well as from the mayor and city commissioners. Deerfield Beach has been awarded the “Blue Wave” designation from the Clean Beach Council.

Fort Lauderdale is the largest of Broward County's 31 municipalities and the eighth largest city in Florida. Fort Lauderdale has a semi-tropical climate, and its world-famous Fort Lauderdale Beach offers premier opportunities for recreation, relaxation and enjoyment. Through the cooperative efforts of residents, businesses and local government, Fort Lauderdale has evolved into a City that offers the best of both worlds: an attractive business environment and an outstanding quality of life, as well as a natural environment for wildlife… the place where native animals are our neighbors, supported to feel right at home AND where migrating, seasonal visitors are welcomed as our guests.

Hollywood, FL

Registered: January, 2013

Population: 143,000

Located just south of Fort Lauderdale

The City of Hollywood is a built-out urban Atlantic coastal community. Residents include year-round residents and "snow birds", who travel north for the warmer months of the year. Businesses are primarily tourist and service oriented—hotels and motels, restaurants, shops, medical facilities and various services. Many of the residents are retirees, although those still in the workforce commute to Fort Lauderdale, Miami and West Palm Beach. The Community Wildlife Habitat project is being led by the City of Hollywood, the Hollywood Green Team and representatives of the Brighter Future Foundation and Earth Advisors.

Hallandale Beach, FL

Registered: October, 2008

Population: 35,800

Located in Broward County, just north of the Miami-Dade County line

Hallandale was founded as a town in 1927, was reincorporated as a city in 1947and in 1999, it officially changed its name to Hallandale Beach. The city includes a mile of Atlantic Ocean beachfront and it maintains seven community parks, a tennis center, a municipal pool, a cultural center and a cemetery. The population of the city swells to nearly 50,000 during the winter months. In the past few years, the city has seen a resurgent growth in new commercial and high rise development. The project is being led by the city's Department of Public Works.

Pembroke Pines, FL

Registered: September, 2014

Population: 106,306

Located in southwest Broward County

​Though the City of Pembroke Pines is the 10th largest of Florida’s 400+ municipalities, its friendly small-town feel is why so many call it home. Pembroke Pines is conveniently located in southwest Broward County with easy accessibility to primary highways and interstates, key employment centers, entertainment venues, parks, golf courses, restaurants and retail/commercial destinations. Named “one of the best cities to live in America,” and a Tree City for over 20 years, Pembroke Pines is home to over 160,000 residents. Its 28 superior parks and lush landscaping throughout neighborhoods and public places enhance the City’s natural beauty and South Florida charm. Pembroke Pines, incorporated in 1960, is a safe and desirable community. The recipient of many awards including “All-America City,” Pembroke Pines is known for its commitment to the arts and culture, its outstanding schools, exciting South Florida lifestyle for all ages, cultural diversity, numerous parks and forward thinking in an ever-changing world.

Milton, GA

Registered: July, 2012

Population: 33,000

Located 33 miles northeast of Atlanta

Milton is a rural/suburban community incorporated in 2006 from the unincorporated part of northern Fulton County. In 2011, Milton was recognized as the community having the highest quality of life in the state of Georgia and the ninth highest in the Southeast by The Business Journals "On Numbers" quality-of-life survey. The city embraces small-town life and heritage while preserving its rural character. The Community Wildlife Habitat team is made up of city employees, community volunteers and representatives of Milton Grows Green, a citizen's committee that advocates "responsibly managed growth by conserving and protecting resources, while preserving Milton's heritage and natural landscape for future generations".

Chicago, Illinois

Registered: March, 2011

Population: 2,851,000

Located in northeast Illinois, on Lake Michigan

Chicago is the third most populous city in the United States and is a hub of transportation and industry in the Midwest. It is a diverse city that takes pride in its green spaces. The city has long supported green roofs and the Chicago City Hall has an extensive one. The Chicago Park District administers over 7,300 acres of parks, including 33 sand beaches and 10 bird and wildlife gardens. Chicago’s project is called the “Chicago Green Mission” and it is being led by staff from the Gethsemane Garden Center, a large, independently-owned garden center within the city. For more information, visit the Chicago Green Mission on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chicago-Green-Mission-CGM/189219084452039.

Lawrence Township, IN

Registered: May, 2006

Population: 110,000

Located in the northeast corner of the greater Indianapolis area

Lawrence Township is a fully developed residential suburban community and home to Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park and Geist Reservoir. The community also has eight local parks, a scout camp and seven outdoor learning labs. There is a great blue heron rookery nearby at the confluence of Indian Creek and Fall Creek. A huge shopping area and a major interstate crossing through the township have led to the township's growth and to the reduction in natural areas.

New Palestine, IN

Registered: July, 2014

Population: 2,053

Located 15 miles east of Indianapolis

New Palestine, part of the Sugar Creek Watershed, has been a farming community for many years. With increased development, many housing communies have grown this community bo be a full, vibrant, healthy community. The adition of a pbulic library, local park and a nature preserve now complete the community as a great place to live.

North Andover, MA

Registered: March, 2013

Population: 28, 400

Located in northeastern Massachusetts, 25 miles north of Boston

North Andover lies on the banks of the Merrimack River and is bordered by Harold Parker State Forest and Boxford State Forest. It is the home of Merrimack College, a private liberal arts college, and Brooks School, a private preparatory and boarding school. The town was originally settled as a plantation on the banks of Lake Cochichewick and then became industrialized with mills along the Cochichewick River. It is now the home of Lucent Technologies and Converse. The Community Wildlife Habitat team calls the project NAWT (North Andover Wildlife Team) and the project logo shows an evergreen tree enclosed by a knot.

Norton, MA

Registered: November, 2009

Population: 19,222

Located 25 miles southwest of Boston

Norton is primarily a residential community, and is the home of Wheaton College and TPC Boston, a private golf club that hosts the Deutsch Bank Championship Golf Tournament each year. It is in many ways a typical New England town, although it lacks a conventional town center. Norton has the distinction of being 53% wetlands, the highest percentage of any town in the state. The town has a dedicated Conservation Commissioner who is on the Community Wildlife Habitat team, along with members of Norton's Land Preservation Society, the main sponsor of the project.

Baltimore, MD

Registered: May, 2013

Population: 621,000

Located in the central part of the state

Baltimore is the largest city in Maryland and the 24th largest city in the country. It is located along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Dubbed "Charm City", Baltimore is a colorful, diverse city known for its beautiful harbor and distinct neighborhoods. Baltimore's project is being led by representatives from a group of organizations, including the city's Office of Sustainability, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, Baltimore City Public Schools, Blue Water Baltimore, Audubon of Maryland and DC, the Parks and People Foundation, Reservoir Hill Improvement Council and NWF's Maryland affiliate, the National Aquarium. The primary goal of the project is to restore natural habitat to benefit both wildlife and the local water quality.

Bowie, MD

Registered: June, 2009

Population: 55,000

Located 15 miles east of Washington, D.C.

Bowie is located in the Patuxent River watershed within the larger Chesapeake Bay Basin. It is the largest municipality in Prince George's County and the fifth largest in Maryland. Bowie has grown from a small agricultural and railroad town to a fast-growing suburb. The city's certification as a Community Wildlife Habitat is part of the city's Green Bowie program. Two members of the CWH team are also on the city's Environmental Advisory Committee.

Rockville, MD

Registered: July, 2009

Population: 60,000

Located 12 miles northwest of Washington, D.C.

Rockville is the county seat of Montgomery County, and it is the second largest city in Maryland. It is one of the most diverse and international communities in the world, with over one-third of the residents having been born outside of the U.S. The Rockville Town Center is a vibrant and attractive, pedestrian-friendly area with many restaurants and shops, as well as the Rockville Library and VisArts Center. The CWH team consists of watershed protection specialists, a Wild Bird Center owner, a Master Gardener and Environmental Management Division employees and volunteers.

Takoma Park, MD

Certified: March 2011

Population: 17,891

Located just northeast of Washington, D.C.

Takoma Park was founded in 1883 and has a large number of old homes and mature trees. The population is very diverse in age, ethnicity and economic condition and includes many professionals, artists, musicians and writers. Takoma Park has been a 'Tree City' since 1984 and has many progressive environmental programs, led by groups such as the Friends of Sligo Creek, the Takom Park Horticulture Club and the Takoma Park Committee on the Environment.

Woodland Hills, MD

Registered: January, 2012

Population: 620

Located 27 miles northwest of Washington, D.C.

The Woodland Hills community consists of 258 townhomes in a wooded setting of 128 acres, bordered on two sides by stream valleys. It is located within the City of Gaithersburg, a municipality with a population of 55,000. A board of directors is elected by community homeowners to manage the common property. Tree preservation and replacement remains a priority goal and is mandated in Woodland Hills' governing documents. Tree canopy coverage in the community is approximately 55 percent.

Cape Island, NJ

Registered: February, 2011

Population: 5500

Located at the very southern tip of New Jersey

Cape Island is man-made island, separated from the mainland by the Inter Coastal Waterway. It consists of four communities: Cape May, West Cape May, Cape May Point and part of Lower Township. Cape Island is known for its beaches and its fine preservation of Victorian architecture. It is also a world-known birding center. Numerous endangered and threatened bird species can be found on the island. The Cape Island Community Wildlife Habitat project is being led by the New Jersey Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation’s state affiliate organization in the Garden State.

Stillwater Township, NJ

Registered: February, 2008

Population: 4,562

Located in Sussex County, in northwest New Jersey

Stillwater Township is primarily a farming community and is one of the few agricultural areas left in New Jersey. In 1741, as gristmill was built in what is now Stillwater village. The township itself was created in 1824. There is abundant limestone in the area and the remains of several lime kilns can still be found. One of the members of the Community Wildlife Habitat team is working on the project to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.

Los Alamos, NM

Registered: December 19, 2013

Population: 18,000

30 miles northwest of Sante Fe

Perched on the sloping shelf of the Pajarito Plateau, halfway between the rift sheltering the Rio Grande and the eroded volcanic peaks of the Jemez Mountains, the community of Los Alamos is surrounded by a 58-mile network of trails and a vertical mile of habitat diversity. This encourages the residents to engage in an active lifestyle, which is closely connected the wide range of plants and animals that exist in and near the town. Recent wildfires and the subsequent erosional events have resulted in a large area of habitat destruction, so habitat creation and preservation is important to the residents here. The NWF Community Wildlife Habitat Team name is “Nurturing Our Wildlife.”

Rye, NY

Registered: July, 2009

Population: 15,100

Located 30 miles northeast of New York City

Rye is a small city bordering 5.5 miles of coastline on Long Island Sound. It is in south-central Westchester County. Rye has two historic beaches, Playland (an amusement park that is a National Historic Landmark), and three major wildlife sanctuaries. One fifth of the total land area in Rye is devoted to recreation and conservation. The Community Wildlife Habitat team consists of representatives from local environmental advocacy groups and a local nature center. For more information, please go to www.ryehabitatproject.org.

Town of Pound Ridge, NY

Registered: June, 2014

Population: 4,900

Located 45 miles north of New York City

A town of picturesque hills and dales, stone walls, and wood lots. With one church and one elementary school, Pound Ridge is unique for what is does not have –traffic lights, malls, fast food places—as well as what it has. A third of the town’s 23 square miles have been set aside as open space. Most residential lots are 2-4 acres. The residents share the community with bear, deer, fox, coyotes, and other wildlife.

Charlotte, NC (Charlotte Naturally)

Registered: August, 2013

Population: 867,050

Largest metropolitan area of North Carolina (located in the heart of the Piedmont region)

A bustling metropolis in North Carolina’s Piedmont, the city of Charlotte is the largest city in the state. As the second largest financial center in the United States, it is a diverse community of people from all corners of the world. . Charlotte has abundant green spaces, including over 17,000 acres of parks, 21 nature preserves and 33 miles of greenways offering a host of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, and observing flora and fauna. Charlotte has many areas of protected lands as part of the Central Carolinas Biodiversity Trail including rare Piedmont prairies and important wetlands. Charlotte is comprised of 199 neighborhoods.

Concord, NC

Registered: April 2014

Population: 81,461

Location: Cabarrus County

Concord, from the Latin for “harmony,” founded in 1796 and incorporated in 1806. Our county, Cabarrus County, was first settled in 1750 and officially formed in 1792. The North Carolina General Assembly named Concord as the county seat in 1796, and from the mid 1800s to 1920, Concord became a booming textile and banking center. Today, we have a diverse economic base that includes distribution, manufacturing, racing, and professional services.

Since 1990, the total population of Concord has grown tremendously to 81,461 people in 2013. Geographically, the City of Concord has expanded from 23 square miles in 1990 to 60.7 square miles in 2013. The continued growth and expansion of the City is supported by our comprehensive infrastructure and services, all of which help enhance the quality of life of Concord’s residents. For more statistical information about the City of Concord, please visit concordnc.gov.

Brooklyn Centre, OH

Registered: November, 2008

Population: 12,400

Located in the city of Cleveland

Brooklyn Centre is an older, inner-city neighborhood with good public access to Major Cuyahoga Metro Parks and other green spaces. A dense population of old-growth trees line the residential streets. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is located within the neighborhood, and has helped make residents aware of protecting wildlife and habitat. The annual Brooklyn Centre Garden Tour calls the neighborhood "a small town in the heart of a big city."

Enright Ridge Urban Eco-Village, OH

Registered: April, 2012

Population: 450

Located in the Price Hill Neighborhood of Cincinnati

Enright Ridge Urban Eco-Village is a predominantly middle-class urban eco-village that was established in 2004. The single family framed houses were built in the early 1900's and are almost exclusively owner-occupied. The homes are surrounded by greenspace, including a large cemetery and a wooded nature preserve. The eco-village's mission statement says that it "seeks to be an ecologically responsible community, sharing ideas, resources and a reverence for the Earth". In 2009, residents started an Urban Farm, complete with a greenhouses and they now offer CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) shares for sale during the harvest season."

Gresham, OR (Gresham Butte Neighborhood Association)

Registered: August, 2013

Population: 5396

Neighborhood of Gresham located in Multnomah County (16 miles east of Portland)

Gresham Butte Neighborhood (GBNA) is a neighborhood association in the city of Gresham. GBNA northern and eastern edges are bound by Johnson Creek and the Springwater Trail, a16 mile walking and biking trail. The southern edge of the community is surrounded by green space as well. The neighborhood is comprised of 1965 single family residences and two schools. Gresham is the fourth largest city in Oregon and prizes its natural resources and environment.

Hampden Township, PA

Registered: May, 2009

Population: 27,000

Located west of Harrisburg, the state capital

Hampden Township is just south of the Kittatinny Ridge, one of the most significant migratory flyways for raptors in the state of Pennsylvania. At the nearby Cliff Jones Field Station, hawk and raptor watchers from many states gather in the fall to count migrating raptors. The Conodoguinet Creek, which winds through the township, is a great water resource for migrants and is home to a diverse group of waterfowl. The Community Wildlife Habitat team consists of three master gardeners and the Director of Parks and Recreation.

Stono Ferry, SC

Registered: May, 2012

Population: 600

Located about 20 minutes southwest of Charleston

Stono Ferry is a gated community within the town of Hollywood, South Carolina. It has a privately-owned golf course that is open to the public. The community also has a privately owned equestrian center. An Amenity Field consisting of several acres includes a Steeplechase course. There are approximately 325 single-family homes and 80 townhomes. The community borders the Intra-Coastal Waterway on the Stono River and has 4 ponds, as well as centuries-old Live Oaks.

Sunset Valley, TX

Registered: April, 2008

Population: 365

Located just southwest of Austin

The City of Sunset Valley was incorporated in 1954 and is independent of, but has close ties to, Austin, the state capital. This small city is endeavoring to maintain their rural roots, while offering all the modern conveniences. Nearly 25% of the city is dedicated as green space. The Community Wildlife Habitat team consists of one city employee and several residents.

Hutto, TX

Registered: September, 2014

Population: 23,000 and growing

Location: Williamson County, Texas

The City of Hutto, TX is located in Williamson County on the eastern edge of the Texas Hill Country region. It is less than 30 miles from downtown Austin, TX and 10 miles from Round Rock, TX. The city is comprised of 7.76 square miles. Historically, Hutto has been a farming community but has become one of the fastest growing communities in this area. Hutto is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of native trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers to support a sustainable wildlife habitat. Hutto lies within the Central Texas wildlife corridor for migrating birds, mammals, and insects. The program is co-lead by the Director of Hutto Parks & Recreation and an NWF Habitat Steward Volunteer. For more information about the program, visit: http://www.habitathutto.org/

Hollow Road, UT

Registered: July, 2014

Population: 430

Located in Cache County, in northern Utah

The Hollow Road neighborhood is part of Nibley City, the fastest growing community in Cache County, Utah. All of the homes in this neighborhood are on a minimum of two-acre plots and the road parallels the Blacksmith Fork River and three canals. The abundance of water in this area promotes great riparian zones of tree growth and lures in at least 75 species of birds including eagles, hawks, falcons, turkeys, pheasants, warblers, orioles, tanagers, hummingbirds, kingfishers, dippers, buntings, towhees, grosbeaks, waxwings, and all kinds of finches.....to name a few. Hollow Road is frequented by Mule Deer, but Moose and Elk have also been rare visitors. Mountain Lions occasionally roam the mountains to the East, and the sound of Coyotes howling in the foothills, or the yapping of Red Foxes, are not totally unfamiliar. Cache County gets its name from its use as a place where mountain men would cache their furs to be sold at later dates. It is the northernmost county in Utah and consists of a verdant valley at 4600' elevation, surrounded by mountains over 9000' high. The County, and much of the State, were once the ancient location of huge Lake Bonneville. Hollow Road got its name from the depression carved through lake deposits by the Blacksmith Fork River. It is a small valley within a large one. The neighborhood is about 3 miles long, has about 140 homes, and 430 residents. Many are certifying their property with NWF through our local volunteer group, the Cache Valley Wildlife Association.

Nibley City, UT (Blacksmith Fork River Wildlife Association)

Registered: February, 2013

Population: 5500

Located in Cache County, in northern Utah

Nibley is the fastest growing community in Cache County, but still maintains a rural, open-space, atmosphere. It is nestled in the Cache Valley at 4600’ elevation and surrounded by mountains peaking at more than 9,700’. It has a rich history garnished with mountain men, Native Americans, and Mormon pioneers. Nibley lies south of Logan, the home of Utah State University. The Blacksmith Fork River provides habitat for trout and a healthy riparian zone, while also feeding irrigation canals for agriculture. The area is classified as cold desert, and has pastureland, grasslands, wetlands, mixed/fragmented forests, and orchards. Primary plants include sagebrush, grasses, junipers, willows and cottonwoods. It is frequented by Mule deer, elk, moose, coyote, and over 100 species of wild birds. Nibley has Tree City USA status, and is continuing to improve its wildlife habitat.

Falls Church, VA

Registered: September, 2005

Population: 10,377

Located 7 miles west of Washington, D.C.

The City of Falls Church is an independent city that is only 2.2 square miles in size. Although it is densely populated and part of a large metropolitan area, the city is a tightly knit community with residents who take great pride in being active in local civic and social activities. The Falls Church Healthy Habitat project was initiated by the City of Falls Church Environmental Services Council. For more information, go to www.fallschurchenvironment.org.

Hillsville, VA

Registered: May, 2011

Population: 2700

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, in southwestern Virginia

Hillsville is the county seat of Carroll County and it is in the Blue Ridge Plateau of the Appalachian Mountains. Residents and visitors enjoy the many outdoor recreation opportunities, including New River Trail State Park and Devils Den Nature Preserve, where lady slipper orchids grow in the wild. The Community Wildlife Habitat team includes both Master Naturalists and Master Gardeners, as well as the town’s manager. The project is named Hillsville Natural Heritage Project. The Hillsville Flea Market, held twice a year, is the largest flea market east of the Mississippi River.

Bonney Lake, WA (Friends of Fennel Creek)

Registered: July, 2013

Population: 17,300

Located in East Pierce County within view of Mount Rainier (40 miles south of Seattle)

An east Pierce County community with stunning views of Mt. Rainer, Lake Tapps, Lake Debra Jane and Bonney Lake is a growing community along HWY 410 and the historic Naches Trail. The community of Bonney Lake is known for its historical and natural beauty including the watershed of Fennel Creek for which the team has named their project for Community Wildlife Habitat certification. Fennel Creek Watershed is the largest of eight tributaries in the Mid-Puyallup River basin and home to Victor Falls, largest waterfall near the Puget Sound.

Brier, WA

Registered: February, 2011

Population: 6400

Located 12 miles northeast of Seattle

Brier is a small suburban city in southwest Snohomish County. It was incorporated in 1965, with the goal of remaining semi-rural in character. It is a family-oriented community and is unique in the urban Seattle region for having farm animals and an active equestrian population. A stated goal of Brier’s city government is that development be “consistent and harmonious” with the original spacious, wooded and semi-rural nature of the area. With the recent construction of overly large homes and removal of trees and undergrowth, many of Brier’s residents have become concerned with the preservation of their wildlife heritage.

Burien, WA

Registered: September, 2011

Population: 48,000

Located 11 miles south of Seattle

Burien just became a city in 1993. In 2011, it annexed part of the North Highline unincorporated part of King County, to add 14,000 residents to the city's population. Burien is a diverse community, with 38 percent of the population made up by minorities. The city prides itself on having a small town flavor that supports neighborhoods, while preserving and enhancing the environment. Burien has 6 miles of Puget Sound shoreline, including popular Seahurst Park. The Salmon Creek Greenbelt is adjacent to the park.

Crescent Valley BMA, WA

Registered: October, 2006

Population: 1,500

Located north of Gig Harbor, on Puget Sound

The Crescent Valley Biodiversity Management Area is approximately 800 acres and it extends from Gig Harbor northward, following Crescent Creek, and including Crescent Lake. This area consists mostly of single-family homes, along with a few hobby farms. The Crescent Valley Alliance, an organization of local residents interested in maintaining the area's wealth of biodiversity, is leading the project.

Edgewood, WA

Registered: May, 2010

Population: 10,830

Located in northern Pierce County, 27 miles south of Seattle

Edgewood is a small-town residential community with a rustic quality. Most of the city is located on North Hill, but a portion occupies the Puyallup valley. Parts of Edgewood are within the Puyallup Indian Reservation. The city has a maritime climate typical of western Washington, with a rainy season from October to March. Unstable slopes, storm water runoff, erosion, a high water table and saturated soils are environmental constraints that will dictate any future development. Edgewood has several lakes and streams within its borders, as well as large topographic depressions locally known as “potholes."

Friday Creek, WA

Registered: August, 2011

Population: 7,100

Located in Skagit County, in northeastern Washington

The Friday Creek community consists of the watershed of the Samish River in Skagit County, upstream of the confluence with its tributary, Friday Creek. The community is chiefly rural with only a few small settlements: the unincorporated towns of Alger, Thornwood and Prairie. Small-scale agriculture dominates the valleys and commercial forestry the uplands. Most of the residents own single-family dwellings on their own land holdings that range in size from lots to whole farms. The Samish River supports a wide variety of fish, including several salmon and trout species.

Lake Forest Park, WA

Certified: December, 2006

Population: 12,770

Suburb of Seattle located on the north shore of Lake Washington

Lake Forest Park is a suburban community best characterized by its name. Nicknamed "the Park" by lifetime residents, Lake Forest Park incorporates an intricate network of streams and wetlands which flow into Lake Washington. The town has a lush green canopy including impressive stands of second growth conifers. Established trees are protected in the city ordinance code and healthy habitat is a community value. Threatened species include coho, chinook and sockeye salmon.

Mercer Island, WA

Registered: May, 2008

Population: 22,380

Located in Lake Washington, east of downtown Seattle

Mercer Island is a suburban island community, within an easy commuting distance to downtown Seattle. The island has thirty-five parks and open space areas, over 50 miles of trails, public park beaches, a dog park, two stables and equestrian trails. There are twelve miles of shoreline, with several public access waterfront parks. Each end of the island has commercial development. Forest cover is primarily second growth deciduous, with some interspersed conifers.

Newcastle, WA

Registered: February, 2013

Population: 10,500

Located 13 miles east of Seattle

Newcastle is a "young" City with a rich historical heritage. For people looking for an active, balanced lifestyle, Newcastle combines the convenience and choices of urban living with the comfort and community of a small town. In Newcastle residents can live, work, shop, and play, and commute easily to the best jobs in the Pacific Northwest, and return home to live close to natural areas, trails and other opportunities for outdoor recreation. The town has 40 acres of parks and more than seven miles of hiking trails, and is right next to the 3,100 acres of Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park.

Poulsbo, WA

Registered: May, 2007

Population: 24,000

Located on Puget Sound, northwest of Seattle

Poulsbo is a water-front community, located on the shores of Liberty Bay within Puget Sound. It was settled by Norwegian immigrants and was incorporated in 1907, and still reflects much of its original Scandinavian heritage. While working towards Community Wildlife Habitat certification for Poulsbo, the team is collaborating with teams from Bainbridge Island and Kingston to eventually form a North Kitsap County regional habitat area.

Queen Anne, WA

Registered: August, 2010

Population: 31,000

Located in Seattle, just north of downtown

Queen Anne is one of Seattle’s oldest neighborhoods. It is composed of a 465 foot tall hill and the surrounding areas. There are seven schools in the neighborhood and one university, Seattle Pacific University. Open space, parks, recreation, gardening and sustainability are very important to community residents. Queen Anne is known for its well-preserved, historic homes , as well as its excellent views of the Seattle skyline. On a clear day, Mt. Rainier and the North Cascades and Olympic Mountains can also be seen.

Redmond, WA

Registered: July, 2011

Population: 54,000

Located 16 miles east of Seattle

Redmond is probably best known as being the home of the companies Microsoft and Nintendo of America. The city prides itself on its high quality of life, including excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, a healthy economic base and a strong parks system. Over 1000 acres have been set aside as parkland, offering a variety of active and passive recreational opportunities. It also has an annual bicycle race on the streets of the city and a velodrome (an indoor bicycle racing arena), and has dubbed itself “The Bicycle Capital of the Northwest”. Redmond is bordered by two other certified communities: Kirkland and Sammamish.